Behavioural Communication in the MOSH Adoption Process
In the original design of the MOSH Leading Practice Adoption Process, behavioural communication was recognised as a critical pillar alongside technical implementation and leadership behaviour. Its purpose was to enhance workforce understanding of risk and encourage safe behaviour through targeted communication strategies. However, despite its theoretical value, many operations found the original behavioural communication templates to be difficult to apply in practice. The structured tools and guidelines were often too complex or detached from the realities of day-to-day mining operations.
As a result, the MOSH framework evolved to replace “behavioural communication” with a more practical and adaptable approach now referred to as change communication. This shift recognises the importance of human behaviour in the adoption of safety innovations but grounds communication efforts in practical, context-driven interventions that resonate with employees at all levels. Rather than simply informing workers, change communication aims to shift attitudes and mental models around risk, ensuring that the behavioural aspect of safety becomes embedded in the organisational culture.
A key method for enabling this shift is the structured use of focus group discussions. These sessions allow facilitators to explore employees’ beliefs, perceptions and emotional responses to upcoming changes. By identifying existing mental models, practitioners can design communication strategies that not only convey information but also address misconceptions, build trust and promote ownership of the change process.
The focus group method has proven more effective than traditional one-on-one enquiries, offering deeper insights in a time-efficient and collaborative format. These discussions support behavioural alignment with the leading practice and provide a foundation for ongoing feedback, allowing communication efforts to adapt over time. In this way, behavioural communication, now embedded within change communication practices, remains a vital component in achieving sustainable safety outcomes through the MOSH process.